WTDC Newsletter – November 17th, 2023
Holiday Hours
Closed – Thanksgiving – November 23
Open – Black Friday – November 24
Closed – Christmas Day – December 25
Closed – New Year’s Day – January 1
President’s Corner
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving! It was very rewarding to visit our friends at Lotus House Women’s Shelter again this week. We are so grateful for the opportunity to assist Lotus House in the great service they are providing for our community.
Stay healthy,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO
Lotus House
On Thursday, November 16th, WTDC dropped off 27 turkeys and two carloads of food from our 5th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive to Lotus House Women’s Shelter. Lotus House provides 3 meals a day and a roof over the head of 500 women and 120 children.
Thank you to our corporate partners and employees who donated and thank you to WTDC Transportation Manager Castell Chavez for organizing the drive!
Disney Cruise Line opens Terminal in Port Everglades
On November 13th, Disney Cruise Line dedicated its new 104,000 square foot terminal in Port Everglades, Florida. Disney Dream sailings from the Finding Nemo themed terminal begin next week.
CruiseHive – Disney Cruise Line Opens New Terminal at Port Everglades
NBC6 – Disney Cruise Lines will soon set sail from Port Everglades. Here’s what to know
Visit to PortMiami – POMTOC
Last Thursday, November 9th, WTDC visited Port of Miami Terminal Operating Company (POMTOC), our partners at PortMiami. We met with POMTOC CFO Charles O’Malley and Demurrage Clerk Miriam Martinez to discuss how we can help each other exceed our service goals.
IBHS Scholarship
On Tuesday, November 7th, WTDC presented FIU International Business Honor Society (IBHS) student and now WTDC Operations Intern Brianna Page a scholarship of $1500 to attend the 2024 IBHS service trip to India for the Bandhwari Project. The project is a micro-enterprise in India led by IBHS students and focuses on providing women economic opportunities.
WTDC has sponsored the program since 2015. The event was attended by Dean Hardin III, FIU College of Business, WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua, WTDC employees Fernando Menendez and Leilani Shirvis, both FIU College of Business and IBHS students.
FIU BizNews: FIU students return to Bandhwari growing the microenterprise and changing lives.
Thanksgiving Luncheon
Thank you to our amazing employees! On Wednesday, November 15th, all WTDC staff gathered for a Thanksgiving Luncheon catered by Whisk Gourmet. They prepared a traditional southern style Thanksgiving meal – and the cornbread stuffing and bourbon pecan pie were out of this world!
Virgin Voyages sustainable marine fuel trial
Between September 24th and October 16th, Virgin Voyages tested a blended marine fuel consisting of 20% used cooking oil and 80% heavy marine fuel. The test was part of Virgin’s commitment to reach net zero in 2050 and its other numerous environmental initiatives. Click below to read more.
Cruise industry News – Virgin Voyages Completes First Sustainable Marine Fuel Trial
